New Orleans (1-0) at LA Rams (1-0)
When: Sunday, September 15, 2019
Where: L.A. Memorial Coliseum,
Los Angeles, CA
Time: 4:25 ET | TV: FOX
Opening Odds: Los Angeles -3/54
There are several great matchups on the Week 2 NFL schedule but the one I’m looking forward to the most is the rematch of last year’s NFC Championship game between the Los Angeles Rams and New Orleans Saints. Los Angeles got the benefit of a non-pass interference call so bad, that it prompted the league to include such plays in the replay review process during games. The Rams won 26-23 then were no match for the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl and would love to put to rest all the talk about how lucky they were. Saints fans are still steaming over the situation and saw their team almost blow a Week 1 Monday Night Football contest to the Houston Texans. Drew Brees threw for a pair of touchdowns while throwing for 370 yards and led a last-minute drive that led to the Saints’ game-winning field goal in a 30-28 victory over Houston at home. New Orleans failed to cover as 6.5-point home favorites against the Texans and are 0-6 against the spread (ATS) in its last six games dating back to last season, but are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 road games. Los Angeles raced to a 13-0 lead in Carolina before hanging on for a 30-27 victory over the now 0-2 Panthers. The Rams covered as a 1.5-point away underdog against Carolina and opened as field goal favorites against the Saints but the spread has dropped a half point to 2.5. The total opened at 54 at most shops and has since dropped to 53 – the highest total on this week’s schedule.
Despite the poor effort on Monday by the Saints, they are still in good shape in the NFC South with the rest of the division all losing in Week 1. Star running back Alvin Kamara helped the Saints to their 510 total yards by running for 97 and receiving another 72 through the air in Week 1, while Michael Thomas caught 10 balls for 123 yards. Fellow wideout Ted Ginn Jr., who is questionable due to an illness, caught all seven balls thrown his way in Week 1 for 101 yards. The Saints defense was gashed for 180 yards on the ground against Houston and 414 yards total. New Orleans will have another West Coast game next week when they visit Seattle.
Running back Todd Gurley is still dealing with arthritis in his right knee but managed to run for 97 yards on 14 carries in the win against the Panthers last week. Backup RB Malcolm Brown was the prime red zone threat with 53 rushing yards and two scores on 11 attempts. Quarterback Jared Goff wasn’t at his best last week, going 23-of-39 for 186 yards with a TD and an interception. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp came back from an injury-shortened 2018 to catch seven passes for 46 yards, while Robert Woods hauled in team-highs of eight for 70 yards. The Rams will be in Cleveland next Sunday night.
The Saints really looked bad on Monday night and now have short-rest and a long trip to L.A. to face a Rams team that wants to prove they belonged in the Super Bowl. New Orleans hasn’t covered the spread since Week 14 of last season – a string of six straight contests. Look for the Rams’ offense to have their way with the Saints’ defense in this one.
Pick: Rams -2.5 (More Week 2 Free Picks)
Saints are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Saints are 18-5 ATS in their last 23 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Saints are 20-7 ATS in their last 27 road games.
Saints are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game.
Saints are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Saints are 19-8 ATS in their last 27 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Saints are 11-5 ATS in their last 16 games on grass.
Saints are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games in Week 2.
Saints are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss.
Saints are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Saints are 0-4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Saints are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Saints are 0-6 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Saints are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. NFC.
Rams are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Rams are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 vs. NFC.
Rams are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win.
Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win.
Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
Rams are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass.
Rams are 2-5-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Rams are 2-5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.
Rams are 2-6-1 ATS in their last 9 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 7-1 in Saints last 8 vs. NFC.
Under is 6-1 in Saints last 7 games after allowing more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 6-1 in Saints last 7 road games.
Under is 5-1 in Saints last 6 games after allowing more than 150 yards rushing in their previous game.
Under is 5-1 in Saints last 6 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.
Over is 4-1 in Saints last 5 games when playing on Sunday following a Monday night game.
Over is 7-2 in Saints last 9 games in September.
Under is 6-2 in Saints last 8 games on grass.
Under is 6-2 in Saints last 8 games after accumulating more than 250 yards passing in their previous game.
Over is 16-6 in Saints last 22 games after accumulating more than 350 total yards in their previous game.
Under is 5-2 in Saints last 7 games following a straight up win.
Under is 7-3 in Saints last 10 games overall.
Over is 13-6 in Saints last 19 games in Week 2.
Over is 5-1 in Rams last 6 home games.
Over is 4-1 in Rams last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record.
Under is 4-1 in Rams last 5 games in Week 2.
Over is 7-2 in Rams last 9 games in September.
Home team is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
Over is 8-3 in the last 11 meetings in Los Angeles.
Saints are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 meetings.
Saints are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 meetings in Los Angeles.
